I bought this '02 R* during the later half of the riding season last summer. It ran decent but not great and had a terrible backfire on decel along with it took forever to be able to run with out the enricher pulled out. First impression was it was terribly lean. Previous owner ranted and raved about the shop putting a stage one kit in the carb and how everything was perfect. First thing I did was check PMS and it was only out a 1/4 turn. I turned it out to 2 1/2 turns and most of the backfire is gone but it still takes forever to be able to run without the enricher.
I just pulled the carb and intake today and opened up the carb for inspection. What a mess. The needle diaphragm isn't installed properly and the cover didn't sit flat. The main jet was loose along with various other parts.
I don't know what jet kit was used but guessing dyno. It has a 35 pilot, 195 main, and the clip is on the 4th groove (needle has 6 grooves) with one shim under the spacer. Have not checked float setting but it appears to be set quite high. Regardless of what brand is in it, I'm thinking of going back to Mikuni jets and needle. Would I be correct in getting a mikuni 37.5 pilot or 40 pilot along with a 170 main and stock needle.

My set up: K&N RC1980
Vance & Hines long shots, no baffles at present but plan on adding some

Sent a personal message. You can Contact Davej for jetting questions.

On a 1600, you'll want the 37.5 pilot and the 170 main (mikuni) will do just fine 2 1/4 turns out, give or take on the PMS.

You also need to get some baffles in there or it won't ever seem right. Needs a little backpressure.

On my 02 1600 just got done doing the rejet. Used the Barons kit (Mikuni jets) 37.5 pilot. +1 on the settings Deerkiller gives. Set mine up to those settings exactly. Have the clip on 4th groove. I'm also running RC 1980 with baffles in Hardchromes. Ran perfect right out the shoot. Only had to tweak PMS slightly.

As said above get a Barons kit along with a 37.5 Mikuni pilot jet then use the jetting advice that Deerkiller gave you above.
You mentioned a stock needle and that would not work. A stock needle is real fat and only has 1 groove. As far as the backfire on decel check for cracks in the intake manifold if they are present, replace it. Check the rubber cap on the vac nipple if the AIS has been removed, If the AIS hasn't been removed,remove it and solder the vac nipple closed and you will never have to worry about a vac leak from there again. Also check for exhaust leaks they will cause a terrible decel backfire. Also you may never get all the backfire out of it without baffles.
As far as the enricher, these things are all naturally cold blooded. When they are cold you can expect to pull the enricher,start the bike, wait about 15 - 20 sec or until you hear it stumble then push in the enricher to about 1/2, then ride off and don't push it all the way in for about a mile or so(may vary). Even on a warm day after sitting for an hr or so you may have to pull it out to start the bike but will be able to push it in alot sooner if not right after it starts. That is absolutely normal for a R*

Thanks guys for all the info. I forgot to mention, the previous owner did remove the AIS but left the hose attached to the manifold and just plugged the end of it with a bolt. The hose was rock hard but I didn't see any cracks in it. I'll solder the nipple on the manifold after I port it.

Hello everyone, I have an 06 roadstar and was wondering what size main jet comes stock on my bike. Thanks

rsfan68 wrote:
Hello everyone, I have an 06 roadstar and was wondering what size main jet comes stock on my bike. Thanks

It's a 182.5 with the big fat stock needle. When you go to an adjustable needle a 172.5 is ideal for a 1700.